Apéro Hour: Cozy Snack Season

Decadent bites to try this winter!

The only way though the darkness of winter is with cozy snacks. Here are a few of my favorite simple, fancy bites to make for a dinner party, holiday celebration, or just hanging out on your couch by the fire.

Brie + Raspberry Bites

THE BITE: Goat Brie, Raspberry Jam, Raspberries, Fruit and Nut Crackers
TASTING NOTES: Milky, buttery, salty, sweet, juicy
PAIR WITH: A sparkling rosé

Snickerdoodle Bites

THE BITE: Fresh Chevre + Candied Pecan + Cinnamon + Stroopwafel
TASTING NOTES: Cinnamon rolls, sugary nuttiness, creamy tanginess
PAIR WITH: Pinot Noir

Salami Rose Bites

SUPPLIES

• 1 sheet puff pastry or crescent roll dough, sliced into 6 even strips

• 12–14 slices Italian dry salami, halved

• 4 ounces aged cheddar, shredded

• Hot honey, for dipping

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400ºF with a rack in the center position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Lay out one strip of dough. Place 4–5 salami halves along the strip, slightly overlapping, and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar.

3. Gently twist the dough strip to encase the filling, forming a spiral. Repeat with remaining strips.

4. Arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

5. Remove from oven, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately with extra hot honey for dipping.

Sharp Cheddar + Apple Bites

SUPPLIES

• 2 large gala or honeycrisp apples, cored and cut into ⅛” slices

• 1 tbsp salted butter

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¹/₂ tsp kosher salt

• ¹/₄ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¹/₄ tsp ground cardamom

• 1 large french baguette, sliced ½ inch thick

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced thin

• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350ºF with a rack in the center position.

2. In a medium cast iron or nonstick skillet set over medium heat, add apples and butter. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stirring occasionally until the apples become slightly softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt. Mix to combine and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender. Remove from the heat.

4. Meanwhile brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange on a baking tray in an even layer. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until golden and crispy.

5. Remove the crostini from the oven and top each slice with cooked apple slices and a thin slice of cheddar. Return to oven and broil on high for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.

6. Garnish with rosemary and serve immediately.